Transforming Veteran Care: Staff Psychologist Opportunities in Pueblo, Colorado

Clinical psychologists in the United States have a unique and profound opportunity to make a difference in the lives of those who defended our nation. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) stands at the forefront of mental health care, continually pioneering innovative approaches to psychological treatment, geriatric support, and community-integrated services. Currently, the VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System (ECHCS) is actively recruiting for a Home Based Primary Care GeriPACT and Community Living Center Staff Psychologist in Pueblo, Colorado.

This open continuous announcement represents more than just a job; it is an invitation to build a long-term, rewarding career. Serving the unique needs of aging Veterans, this role integrates clinical expertise with compassionate outreach. From diagnosing mental health conditions and conducting cognitive assessments to supporting caregivers, the selected Staff Psychologist will become an indispensable pillar of the southern Colorado medical community. Along with an exceptional work-life balance, this position offers unmatched federal incentives, including up to $200,000 in student loan repayment.

About the Agency: VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System (ECHCS)

At the heart of the VA’s mission is President Abraham Lincoln’s historic promise: "To care for him who shall have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors." The VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System (ECHCS) fulfills this promise every day by providing world-class, integrated, patient-centered care.

As a leading teaching hospital and research-focused system, ECHCS offers clinical and administrative professionals an intellectually stimulating environment. By pairing state-of-the-art technology with a compassionate care framework, the agency empowers its staff to continuously grow, participate in clinical research, and collaborate across disciplines. ECHCS is widely recognized for its structured specialized programs, particularly in geriatric care, post-traumatic stress treatment, and home-based primary care interventions. For professionals seeking a balanced life, the VA offers a stable, supportive environment where clinical excellence and personal well-being go hand-in-hand.

Core Job Responsibilities: Empowering Geriatric Veteran Care

The Staff Psychologist selected for this position will operate at the intersection of geriatric medicine and clinical psychology, splitting duties among the Home Based Primary Care (HBPC) Program, the Pueblo GeriPACT (Geriatric Patient Aligned Care Team), and the Pueblo Community Living Center (CLC). This multi-faceted assignment requires clinical adaptability, strong consultative skills, and a genuine passion for older adult care.

Key duties and daily responsibilities include:

Comprehensive Therapeutic Interventions: Providing targeted, evidence-based psychological treatments during brief episodes of care. This includes helping Veterans improve health behaviors, manage chronic pain, reduce substance misuse, address mental health symptoms, and successfully navigate complex physical or emotional life transitions.
Psychological and Cognitive Evaluations: Conducting diagnostic assessments tailored to the unique physiological and ecological needs of geriatric patients. This includes performing cognitive screenings, identifying neurocognitive disorders, and analyzing the behavioral health factors associated with aging.
Capacity and Decision-Making Consultations: Collaborating with medical teams to evaluate a Veteran’s capacity to make clinical decisions, name a healthcare surrogate, or transition to higher levels of residential care.
Caregiver and Family Coaching: Assessing family caregiver stress and delivering targeted psychoeducation, coping strategies, and supportive coaching to sustain the family unit.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Working hand-in-hand with primary care physicians, nurses, social workers, and physical therapists to craft and execute integrated, patient-centered treatment plans.
Program Development and Evaluation: Utilizing measurement-based care to track clinical outcomes, analyzing data to guide program evolution, and participating in peer review processes.

Candidate Requirements & Qualification Pathways

To maintain the high standard of care expected within the Veterans Health Administration, candidates must meet specific statutory and professional requirements. Qualifications are determined across three primary grade levels (GS-11, GS-12, and GS-13), allowing entry-level, mid-career, and senior psychologists to apply.

Basic Requirements:

U.S. Citizenship: Only United States citizens may be appointed, except under rare circumstances when qualified citizens are unavailable.
Education: Possession of a doctoral degree in clinical, counseling, or professional psychology from an academic program accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA), the Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System (PCSAS), or the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) at the time of completion. Re-specialization graduates from accredited programs with documented internships are also eligible.
Internship: Completion of an APA- or CPA-accredited professional psychology internship program. Limited grandfathering exceptions apply for pre-1979 VHA internships or candidates with active ABPP board certifications.
English Language Proficiency: Candidates must be fully proficient in spoken and written English.
Driver's License: Because this role supports home-based care, candidates must possess and maintain an active, valid state driver's license.

Physical Demands & Safety Training:

While the day-to-day duties are generally sedentary, candidates must have the physical resilience to undergo and demonstrate hands-on techniques for Preventive Management of Disruptive Behavior (PMDB). This training requires physical capabilities such as bending, squatting, standing for extended periods, and working in close physical proximity with other staff members. In addition, the emotional resilience to work with high-risk Veterans and their families in complex environments is critical.

GS-Grade Level Comparison Table

The actual hiring grade is determined by individual clinical experience, licensure status, and demonstrated competencies. Use the table below to evaluate where you align on the federal General Schedule (GS) scale:

Grade Level	Minimum Professional Experience	Licensure Requirements	Key Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) Required
GS-11	None beyond the basic doctoral and internship requirements.	Unlicensed psychologists may practice under direct supervision.	Core understanding of basic psychological treatments, ethical principles, and standard assessment methods.
GS-12	At least 1 year of professional experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level.	Unlicensed psychologists may practice under direct supervision with less intensity.	Ability to design effective treatment strategies, integrate new clinical procedures, and execute clinical research tasks within an established team.
GS-13	At least 2 years of professional experience, with at least 1 year equivalent to the GS-12 level.	Full, active, and unrestricted state license to practice independently.	Ability to provide expert consultation to medical staff, implement treatments for complex/high-risk patients, and integrate clinical research literature into daily practice.

Salary Overview & The $200,000 EDRP Incentive

Federal careers offer excellent financial stability, and this position is no exception. The annual salary range for this role is $79,176 to $146,703 per year (GS-11 to GS-13, depending on qualifications and grading determination).

The Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP):

Perhaps the most compelling financial incentive for this role is its full authorization for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP). Student loan debt is a significant burden for many doctoral-level psychologists. Through EDRP, selected candidates can receive tax-free reimbursement for qualifying student loans up to a maximum of $200,000 over a active period of 1 to 5 years.

To take advantage of this incentive, the newly appointed psychologist must submit a complete application package within four months of their official start date. Program approvals and exact award amounts are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after a comprehensive clinical and financial review.

Exceptional Federal Benefits & Work-Life Balance

The VA is proud to offer a highly competitive and holistic Total Rewards package. In addition to a robust salary and student loan repayment, employees enjoy benefits designed to support physical health, financial security, and personal well-being:

Unmatched Paid Time Off: Employees receive 37 to 50 days of paid time off annually. This includes 13 to 26 days of accrued annual leave, 13 accrued sick days, and 11 paid federal holidays.
Paid Parental Leave: Up to 12 weeks of fully paid parental leave is available following the birth, adoption, or foster placement of a child (eligible after 12 months of continuous federal employment).
Child Care Subsidy: Full-time employees with a total family income under $144,000 may qualify for childcare subsidies covering up to 25% of eligible expenses, capped at $416.66 monthly.
Retirement Security: Federal employees benefit from the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), a traditional three-tiered system featuring a guaranteed pension (vested after 5 years), Social Security, and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). The TSP functions like a 401(k), offering up to a 5% agency matching contribution.
Portability of Benefits: Federal health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance programs are highly comprehensive and can often be carried directly into retirement.

Step-by-Step Application Guide & Expert Tips

Applying for a federal position requires meticulous attention to detail. This is an Open Continuous Announcement closing on December 11, 2026. Applications are reviewed periodically as vacancies arise, meaning early submission is highly recommended.

How to Apply:

Go to USAJobs and create or log in to your account.
Locate the vacancy announcement using the position details for Pueblo, CO.
Prepare your application documents. Ensure you download the mandatory one-page Clinical Resume Document from the VA Careers portal. This is a strict administrative requirement; fill it out completely and upload it directly into the 'Resume' attachment field.
Upload your fully detailed academic CV without page limits into the 'Other' document upload field to show your complete clinical and training history.
Attach all other necessary documents: academic transcripts (with degree conferral date), proof of current licensure, DD-214 (if claiming Veteran preference), and SF-50 forms (if you are a current or former federal employee).
Complete the occupational questionnaire and submit your electronic package prior to the closing deadline.

Application Insider Tips:

Align Your CV with the KSAs: Ensure your detailed CV clearly illustrates how you meet the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) listed under the GS-12 and GS-13 grade descriptions.
Be Detailed About Supervised Experience: The HR specialists evaluating your package cannot make assumptions. Explicitly write out the dates, hours, and supervised settings of your doctoral internships and postdoctoral residencies.
Verify Your Transcripts: Ensure your uploaded transcripts are legible and clearly indicate that your degree was awarded by an accredited university.

Q: Is relocation assistance or a sign-on bonus authorized?

No. Recruitment, relocation incentives, and Permanent Change of Station (PCS) relocation assistance are not authorized for this specific vacancy.

Q: Do I have to comply with the seasonal influenza vaccination program?

Yes. Participation in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program is a strict condition of employment for all Department of Veterans Affairs health care personnel. Medical or religious exemptions must be formally requested and approved, and accommodated staff are required to wear face masks during flu season.

If you are a clinical psychologist looking to step away from the administrative burdens of private practice and immerse yourself in a collaborative, mission-driven medical environment, this role is for you. Located in the welcoming community of Pueblo, Colorado, this Staff Psychologist position offers a rare combination of meaningful work, clinical complexity, competitive pay, and unmatched federal benefits.

Take the next step in your professional journey. Support our nation's Veterans, relieve your academic debt, and build a secure, balanced future with the VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System. Apply today!

Why This Home Based Primary Care Geripact And Community Living Center Staff Psychologist Job Matters

Transform the lives of our nation's heroes in beautiful Pueblo, Colorado! Join the VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System as a Staff Psychologist and qualify for up to $200,000 in student loan repayment through the Education Debt Reduction Program.

Home Based Primary Care Geripact And Community Living Center Staff Psychologist Job Overview

The VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System (ECHCS) is seeking a compassionate and dedicated Staff Psychologist to serve aging and homebound Veterans within the Home Based Primary Care (HBPC), GeriPACT, and Community Living Center (CLC) programs in Pueblo, Colorado. This open continuous position offers a rewarding career path with outstanding federal benefits, generous paid time off, and substantial student loan repayment incentives.

Requirements for Home Based Primary Care Geripact And Community Living Center Staff Psychologist

United States Citizenship (non-citizens may only be appointed if qualified citizens are unavailable).
Doctoral degree in clinical, counseling, or professional psychology from an APA, PCSAS, or CPA accredited program (or completed an approved re-specialization program).
Successful completion of a professional psychology internship accredited by the APA or CPA (or meeting specific VHA grandfathering/board certification criteria).
Active, unrestricted license to practice psychology in any U.S. State, Territory, or Commonwealth (unlicensed applicants may practice under direct supervision at the GS-11/12 level).
Possession and maintenance of a valid state driver's license for community travel.
Physical capacity to complete Preventive Management of Disruptive Behavior (PMDB) training, involving standing, squatting, bending, and close contact.
Proficiency in spoken and written English.
Passing a pre-employment physical examination, background/security investigation, and drug screening.

Preferred Qualifications for Home Based Primary Care Geripact And Community Living Center Staff Psychologist

Board certification by the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) in clinical, geropsychology, or a related specialty area.
Substantial experience working with geriatric populations, chronic illness, and end-of-life psychological care.
Demonstrated ability to function effectively within a multidisciplinary medical team such as GeriPACT or Home Based Primary Care.
Strong clinical background in conducting cognitive, capacity, and psychological assessments for older adults.
Experience providing coaching, stress management, and psychoeducation to family caregivers.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP): Loan reimbursement up to $200,000 over a 1-to-5-year period (subject to program approval).
✓Generous Paid Time Off: 37 to 50 days of annual paid time off (comprising 13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays).
✓Paid Parental Leave: Up to 12 weeks of paid leave after 12 months of federal service for the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child.
✓Traditional Federal Pension: Secure retirement planning with vesting after just 5 years of service.
✓Thrift Savings Plan (TSP): Government 401(k) equivalent with automatic and matching contributions up to 5% from the VA.
✓Comprehensive Insurance: High-quality federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care plans (carryable into retirement).
✓Child Care Subsidy: Up to 25% of eligible childcare costs (up to $416.66 monthly) for qualified employees with total family incomes under $144,000.

💡 How to Apply Home Based Primary Care Geripact And Community Living Center Staff Psychologist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Home Based Primary Care Geripact And Community Living Center Staff Psychologist Job

Ensure you meet all basic requirements, including U.S. citizenship, doctoral degree accreditation, and internship standards.
Download and complete the mandatory VA Clinical Resume Document from the official VA Careers site.
Log into USAJobs, upload the completed one-page Clinical Resume Document to the dedicated 'Resume' slot, and upload your full, unrestricted CV to the 'Other' document slot.
Gather and upload all required supporting materials, including academic transcripts, active licensure documents, DD-214 (if claiming Veterans' Preference), and SF-50 (for current/former federal employees).
Complete the online occupational assessment questionnaire on USA Staffing.
Submit your finalized application package before the open continuous announcement closes on December 11, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Do not modify the mandatory one-page Clinical Resume Document; it must be uploaded exactly as designed to bypass initial screening restrictions. Use the 'Other' attachment field to provide your full, unrestricted curriculum vitae.
Provide official transcripts that clearly show your doctoral degree conferral date, major field of study, and the accreditation of the institution at the time of completion.
If you completed an internship that was not APA or CPA accredited at the time, clearly document your current ABPP board certification to ensure you meet the alternative qualification standard.
Outline all relevant supervised clinical hours, residency programs, and geriatric clinical training directly in your comprehensive CV.
Ensure your driver's license is fully active and listed on your application, as community travel is required for home-based care visits.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) and how do I apply?

The EDRP is a student loan reimbursement program offering up to $200,000 in tax-free repayments over five years. Eligible selected candidates must submit a complete EDRP application package within four months of their official appointment date for review and approval by the VHA program office.

Can I apply for this psychologist position if I am currently unlicensed?

Yes. Unlicensed psychologists who have met all educational and internship requirements can be hired at the GS-11 or GS-12 levels. However, they must practice under the direct supervision of a licensed psychologist and actively work toward securing their independent clinical license.

Does this staff psychologist position allow for remote or telework options?

This is a physical, facility-based position located in Pueblo, Colorado, designed to support on-site clinical care and community-based visits. While ad-hoc telework may be authorized based on operational demands, it is not a virtual or fully remote role.

What are the physical demands of this psychologist position?

The position involves mostly sedentary desk work and clinical interviews. However, travel into the community to visit home-based patients requires driving. Additionally, the incumbent must complete and demonstrate hands-on techniques for Preventive Management of Disruptive Behavior (PMDB) training, which requires standing, bending, and physical contact.

Q: Who can apply for this position?

This position is open directly to the public. All qualified United States citizens who meet the educational, training, and licensure criteria are encouraged to submit their applications.